Jordan driver, Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, was named “Mr Congeniality” by his peers at the 2003 Grand Prix Party held in Birmingham at the weekend.
Jordan driver, Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, was named “Mr Congeniality” by his peers at the 2003 Grand Prix Party held in Birmingham at the weekend.
Better known as the “Bernies” (named after F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone), the Formula One Awards ceremony was run in conjunction with the party – a fund-raiser for Professor Sid Watkins’ Brain and Spine Foundation – and was attended by a number of Formula One stars and personalities of the past, present and future.
Fisichella received the “Driver’s Driver” award after F1 pilots and test drivers from last season overwhelmingly voted the diminutive Italian their personal favourite driver.
Five-times world champion Michael Schumacher was voted the “Best driver of 2002” by a panel of judges for his performances last season. Jaguar driver Mark Webber received the title of “Best newcomer” after scoring two world championship points for Minardi in the 2002 season opener as well as a superb drive in the Monaco Grand Prix.
“It’s certainly great for me to receive a ‘Bernie’ Award, because after all, he’s (Ecclestone) the guy who has made F1 what it is and I’d like to thank everyone on the voting panel,” said Webber. “2002 was a highly memorable season for me and I’m sure the Melbourne result helped to earn this award, as a lot of people were genuinely happy to see one of the smaller teams get lucky.”
McLaren Mercedes driver David Coulthard presented his boss, Ron Dennis, with the “Lifetime Achievement” award while former ITV commentator, Murray Walker, awarded the `Outstanding Contribution in 2002′ title to F1 race director Charlie Whiting.
The Albert Park track in Melbourne, Australia was voted the best circuit of 2002.
